EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About the Organization

Founded in 1999, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) is an AZA-accredited not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility located in West Yellowstone, Montana. GWDC provides lifelong care for non-releasable grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters, birds of prey, and other native species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Serving approximately 200,000 visitors annually, GWDC offers immersive exhibits and year-round educational programming that focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation, and human–wildlife coexistence. With an annual operating budget of $4–5 million, the organization is financially sound and well-managed, having recently invested in capital improvements for animal habitats, educational facilities, and visitor amenities.

GWDC is deeply committed to animal well-being, conservation education, community engagement, and long-term ecosystem stewardship.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the strategic leader of GWDC. The Executive Director advances the organization’s mission, ensures excellence in animal care and AZA accreditation, leads fundraising and financial stewardship, and oversees a staff of approximately 40 full-time and seasonal employees.

This role requires visionary, yet hands-on leadership suited to a small, high-profile nonprofit in a remote, tourism-based community.

Core Responsibilities

• Implementation of the strategic plan aligned with the mission and AZA standards.
• Ensure exceptional animal care, enrichment, habitat management, and conservation programming.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors and provide timely strategic, operational, and financial reporting.
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, financial controls, audits, and long-term planning.
• Lead fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and campaigns.
• Provide executive oversight of all departments, including animal care, education, facilities, guest services, retail, marketing, and finance.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate senior staff; foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and accountability.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and ambassador, strengthening partnerships across the conservation and tourism sectors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, zoological, conservation, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success working with a Board of Directors.
• Proven fundraising and revenue diversification experience.
• Strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Experience leading multi-department teams and developing senior staff.
• Knowledge of captive wildlife management and AZA standards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work onsite with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive senior leadership in an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or wildlife organization (or comparable executive experience).
• Direct experience with large carnivores and aquatic systems in a zoological setting.
• Experience maintaining or advancing AZA accreditation.

Living and Working in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone offers unparalleled access to wildlife and public lands within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Candidates should understand the realities of living in a remote mountain community, including seasonal tourism fluctuations, limited housing availability, higher living costs, and long winters.

GWDC provides onboarding support, including housing search assistance and community integration resources.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional development support
• Relocation assistance may be available

 Application Process

For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed beginning on this date and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references in a single PDF file to: [email protected] 

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ANIMAL KEEPER

Primary Responsibilities:

Maintains and enriches the environment of Center animals; observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions and feeding to identify animal health, security and wellbeing; records and reports observations to supervisor; prepares foods and follows established feeding schedules and prescribed diets; cleans animal enclosures and performs basic related animal care duties; directs and controls animals within and between exhibit spaces; assists veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of animals; as directed, collects bodily fluids, takes fecal samples, and administers medications; accurately records and maintains animal health details; recommends changes to improve animal care and work method efficiencies; cleans and disinfects animal habitat spaces; operates motorized equipment such as chain saw, snow blower, skid-steer; takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, animals and the general public; makes minor repairs to exhibit buildings and equipment; picks up, loads and unloads animal food and supplies; communicates, assists and interacts positively with the public; assists the Maintenance and Education Departments and other staff as necessary; works effectively and cooperatively with other Animal  Keepers and management staff.

Qualifications:

Requires two (2) years of paid experience working with zoo/exotic animals (Bears and Raptors preferred) at an AZA accredited or related facility. Two years of coursework in zoology or closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience. Other combinations of education, training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background may also be considered. Additional credit will be given for further education in zoology, animal care or closely related field and/or experience. This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. A valid Driver's License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available for work on evenings, weekends, holidays and emergencies and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Compensation:

Current annual starting salary $35,000 (36-hour workweek).  Benefit package includes extensive paid time off, health, vision and dental insurance, matching retirement plan.

To Apply:

Email cover letter and resume to [email protected]

The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the Human Rights Act of Montana.

RETAIL AND ADMISSIONS STAFF

Seasonal full-time 40 hours a week / Seasonal part-time 20 hours a week

Duration for position:  April - October / May - September

Primary Responsibilities:

Sell merchandise and admission tickets, welcome visitors and respond to their needs, keep gift shop/admission working area clean and organized, interact and coordinate with co-workers.

Qualifications:

Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays; experienced in customer service with strong communication skills, a fast learner, computer savvy and able to multi-task. Familiar with cash register and US currency. 

To Apply:

Email your resume to [email protected] or drop it off at the GWDC Gift Shop